After reading several posts, I began to think... Is this ‘just my imagination running away with me’? Is this merely a case of ignorance that could be easily corrected with some awareness training and dialogue? Am I over exaggerating a silly joke that happened one time? I thought maybe until I received a call that clear these doubts.
I received a call from a local that expressed that there are several accounts that this skits or variations of it have been performed numerous times over the years. One graduate remembers particularly that a similar skit was acted out six years at the graduation after reminiscing from a school year book. But it case I’m still off base, the school should allow the media or some third party to review the multiple DVDs that were produced by the school staff or Jim Davis, the photo album originator and pastor’s son-in-law that are being recalled after the CBS-47 story.
In addition, from my understanding there is/was one (1) African-American student attending
Unlike the Imus situation, I hope we (the Fresno community) will not rant, fire someone and then forget about it. It's really not about protesting or just an apology (though a formally written apology is very much in line), the greater issues of race & religion and matter of race in the Valley must be dealt with for us to move forward.
True reconciliation can not start without forgiveness and true forgiveness require repentance. Repentance is more than saying 'sorry' but it must be accompanied by a change in one's action.
Here are some ways to accomplish that:
- Declaration by sister Assemblies of God churches that such practice are not acceptable
- The Church pastor, as the leader of the school and church formally apology denouncing such practices and resolving that such skits or any forms of racial depiction be removed from all church or school-sponsored activities
- The school establish or enhance their non-tolerance policy
- A series of open dialogues between the community (church leaders across racial/ethnic lines, educators, and community advocates-- civic and otherwise) and the church about race and why such scenarios are deemed inappropriate, and how to incorporate true diversity into the school's culture. This not a microwave result but it be the most fruitful.
54 comments:
yer out of your freakin mind dude...this "display" of racism is not what you think it is. I have seen the performance of such skits and they were anything but racial. If anything at all they celabrated the emancipation of the black slaves after the civil war...i for one would be embarrassed as a "Christian" to lash out against an institution such as this which has beeen in opporation longer than you have been alive my friend. You need to get your facts straight...line up a personal meeting with the pastor...see his heart and the fruits of his dedicated ministry. What you are doing here is tearing down the ministry of this church for your own satisfaction. How do you sleep at night?
"anything but racial" - HAAAAAAA.
Oh, America.
This dude is not "lashing out." Good Lord. He is stating his opinions, and I agree. He is not personally tearing people down. He is disturbed by what he saw. So am I. In your opinion, that means that he is "tearing down" people? IMO, he does this out of LOVE. "Anything we love can be saved" - Alice Walker.
RACISM IS EVERYWHERE
FACE IT, FOR YOUR SAKE AND MINE
if this "great" institution has nothing to hide, then why don't they release video of this entire dramatic presenation, UNedited? They won't, because the video would be more damning than the photos. Meet with the same Pastor who sat back and enjoyed an evening of comedy while individuals "poked fun" of slavery? That Pastor should have a personal meeting with God.
Keep up the good work Tate Hill!!!!
The ONLY African-American studeant was present with her mother at the graduation party when this insensitive parody was performed. That female student is young, having graduated 8th grade just recently. There are many DVDs of the party and skit. The members of this church openly use the "N" word. It is spoken so frequently, especially by the male members both young and old, that there is no moral remonstration for using that word, but woe to the boy or man who does not have the proper haircut or clothing as it will reflect poorly on the church and the Spencer Family.
At the graduation party, students were "served" refreshments and dinner by the adults in black face. The slave play was written and directed by choir director and associate pastor, Jim Davis.
Riverdale Assembly of God, known and referred to locally as "Spencer's Church", is a cult that also participates in illegal vote influencing during congregational meetings by filling out sample ballots with candidate and issue choices that reflect and/or will directly benefit "Spencer's Church." These filled-out sample ballots are copied, and then distributed during church service, with the admonition that the church members WILL vote as selected by the Pastor and his staff. Should a church member forget who or what is to be voted for as dictated by Pastor Spencer, they are encouraged to call the church office and be reminded of the "correct" choices prior to going to the polls.
This church should also be investigated for tax fraud.
..and these issues are just the tip of the iceberg for what is really a bullying and self-serving family. This is a family who engages other church members to willingly pick up migrant farm workers and/or thier children, for services on Sundays (has been referred to as the "Mexican Bus".) Often, some church members will "sponsor" an illegal alien by having them live in their home to do all the cooking and cleaning, and sometimes child care, receiving in return nothing more than food and bed. Pastor Doug Spencer has had a Mexican woman living in his home for many years in what really amounts to as indentured slavery/servitude.
This church is a cult. The Spencer family, it's "owners", are well-known for riding roughshod over it's church members, and will publicly slander those who either choose to not participate (cooperate) with the church (Spencer Family) needs, can't monetarily afford to participate (You're not giving enough for Jesus!), or choose to leave their congregation by making libelous statements during church services. The point the Spencers are attempting to make is that should one choose to leave their fold, then that person is a sinner and if you are not a sinner, then you better give the church (Spencer Family) more money so the church (Spencer Family) can do and buy more things (such as a huge RV that the Spencer Family has licensed in Oregon to avoid CA taxes, and is used exclusively by the Spencers, not the church.) Wilma Spencer, Pastor Charles Spencer's wife, frequently takes to the podium to denounce and openly castigate current or former church members
Hopefully there will someone who will dig deeper into this church as they need to be investigated for crossing the line and breaking so many laws, including voting laws, simply to make money that benefits the Spencer Family only.
Even other AOG churches do not identify with "Spencer's Church"- they are racist- they have a large percentage of poor- many are Hispanic, that they soak for their tithe so the Spencer's can build their son a home on the grounds of the school, buy themselves a motorhome and most will consider how wonderful it is that they have their school- well it isn't even certified- and most of the teacher's aren't either- so the parents or sponsors are paying so the Spencer family can benefit financially from the attendance that doesn't benefit the students. Promoting any action that denigrates a class of people is morally wrong- but since the Spencer family hides behind their religion for financial gain- nothing they do surprises me.
This is utterly preposterous. Whoever is writing these things is seriously mistaken, or has a vendetta against this church. I for one know what this is all about. If you would like more than the blatant mischaracterization by this blog of this church, it's leaders, and the people that attend there, I would strongly urge you to go there, attend a service or two, and see what they were all about.
As for racism, I would think if you would like to make it that way, the statement, "Mexican woman that lives in Pastor Doug Spencer's home" is somewhat racist, and this "Mexican woman" would likely be extremely offended by your comments and accusations.
To the last two comments, Please don't misrepresent. If you had guts at all, you would leave your name for people to know who you are and why you have so much "information."
My email address on this matter is AgainstSlander@sbcglobal.net. Please feel free to contact me at any time.
It is probably no secret to you that the words you say have repercussions, especially if those words are not particularly nice. But what you may not know is that you can potentially be sued for the words that you say, or even the gestures that you make, if the person about whom you make the statements can show that they are false and that you have injured his or her reputation. Making a false statement about a person in the presence of at least one other person is called slander and is actionable in a court of law.
"Making a false statement about a person in the presence of at least one other person is called slander and is actionable in a court of law."
Exactly! Why else would he or she remain anonymous? I'll tell you why...the comments made about RAG by this person or persons are untrue!
I am putting in a request that this blog be removed as it has obviously become a breeding ground for anyone to spew hatred about this church, it's Pastors, or anything else they feel led to. If what this church did was so abhorring, then why carry it on, if the pictures were offensive to you, they took them down. Now you are kicking a man(or church) when he(or it) is down. Is this what we are called to do? Does this help the cause of Christ? No, I say. To use a cliche', Do two wrongs make a right? If you feel you are wronged by someone you love (we are all supposed to love one another, according to the Word of God) and they ask for forgiveness (Pastor Doug Spencer: " I apologize to anyone who was offended, it was not meant to be offensive.", Is it right to let anyone say whatever they can come up with or think up to say against them?
I am still appealing to the man who moderates this blog; Please, remove these unkind words, call the Pastor, talk to him; and most of all, he has asked for your forgiveness, you must forgive him, or else all blame lies in your lap.
(Ditto for all the people spewing the hatred)
My email address on this matter is AgainstSlander@sbcglobal.net. Please feel free to contact me.
The Christian Academy can put this to rest by producing an un-edited tape of this time of "poking fun" at their graduates. If it was just an innocent evening where nobody was offended, produce the video. I would guess that this won't happen.
All these accusations are terrible and sickens my stomach. If you know have a personal relationship with God you know he would not want this handled like this.also you must have some big problems your self with rascism or you would not be writing all that terrible stuff about this church. shame on you.And you Miss Walker if you don't anything about This church KEEP YOUR OPINION TO YOUR SELF. DON'T ANY OF YOU HAVE ANYTHING BETTER TO DO?YOU NEED TO GET THAT CHIP OFF OF YOUR SHOULDER
Who is Miss Walker?
WOW!!! After reading this blog that is the only word that comes to my mind. Some may ask why wow? Well the reason for the word is very simple let me explain. I am a police officer in a small town that is in some ways very similiar to Riverdale. After reading this blog it is very obvious that some people have no clue what really goes on in this world, if they are getting so worked up over something that was only intended for a learning expericence. I come in contact everyday with girls from the ages of 12 to 16 that are already pregnant and some pregnant for the second time. Why dont you ask the principal of RCA how many girls are pregnant in his school? I can tell you it would be a quick answer of none. Or how about the people that I contact on a daily basis that are in there 20's but look like they are 50 from all the drugs they have been on, or are still on. Or how about the people that I arrest for stealing things, and have them later tell me that the only reason they steal things, is because their parents never taught them to do anything else. I am pretty sure that if you ask any of the parents of the people I just talked about they would probably be doing the same thing I am doing after reading this blog. Again saying wow, do we really not have anything better to talk about, there are way bigger issues in this world that we want to over look and not take care of. I will be bold and say to whoever tipped off CBS 47 about this "Racism" issue I hope you can explain it to God. You might not like everything that goes on in Riverdale, but no one can say I am wrong when I say they are some of the nicest people you will ever meet. And next time you bring up an issue of Racism, how about you find a topic that is really about Racism, not just someone trying to ruin a good thing.
This is not about their teen pregnancies, or how good their students are. This is about faculty who thought it would be appropriate to portray slavery in a comical way. I am sure the students are wonderful kids, its their teachers that need to be addressed!
Most of the comments on this topic really make me hopeless about the future of our country. I especially love the one in which quotation marks are put around the word RACISM.
What in the world does teenage pregnancy have to do with the issue being addressed presently? Huh?
Tell me exactly how it was a "learning experience" for some kids to be shown a "runaway slave" (aka a white person in make up to look like a slave) being brought back to the plantation, or whatever? Huh?
What exactly is the purpose of that? What exactly were the kids supposed to be learning?
For everyone who is saying that this was not an issue of racism... then tell me, what DOES racism look like to you?
Uh...Think what you want. The moral was that slavery ended when the North beat the South in the Civil War. What were you hoping it was? That white people should still own slaves?? Sorry to disappoint you...
*whispers* maybe it wasn't racism
*surprised look*
Tate I'm glad you are talking about this. Clearly this church and this academy are a breeding ground for hatred - there is no way, obviously, to have racially neutral reenactment of slavery.
these words and acts have repercussions as well - that is why there is hate crime legislation on the books in many states.
and the only learning experience that could remotely be connected with this is if the people involved in the "plantation days" event realize how utterly inappropriate, racist and damaging this event is and never do it again.
and to the first commenter -hello, slaver has been around longer than we have been alive too. that doesn't mean it's good.
The fact that people can find any way to justify this is a sign of how out of touch with reality these people are.
Good GRIEF!!!!
You would think some of the people commenting on here were slaves themselves, or that they are the only ones who read history books. Get real. There is no need for justification, there was nothing wrong with it! They also apologized to whoever was offended. So far, it's just been a few who have to stick their nose where it don't belong, hoping to win a lawsuit or just to see others fall...and they claim to be Christians. (see "concerned christian" above)
As a person that was at the event I remember a "white" soldier serving me my meal and drink, not by "an adult in black face." I am apauled at the false acustations against this church and its leadership.
Tate Hill you say you are a brother in christ, than why are you lashing out againts this church, the leadership has apolagized, and you say it is not good enough, but when you came to christ did he not forgive you, or did he say that is not good enough? In the Bible does it not say judge not least you be judged, forgive and ye shall be forgiven.
For the people that want an un edited version of the tape, may I ask why? So that you can twist it around, like you have done with evrything else we have said. They were not making fun of slavery, but making fun of the senior graduates. At the end of the skit the slaves were free.
To whoever said a "mexican woman" (well I am offended for you saying those words mexican woman why could you not use hispanic woman, well that sounds dumb does it not exactly, must I go on to prove my point) lives at Pastor Doug Spencer's house, and calling her a slave. Well I have never heard of a "slave owner" buying his slave a car.
How can you find this offensive, when Hollywood is making movies about slavery. Oh it is okay because in the end the slaves end up free, well in the skit the slaves end up free also.
I also relize the people that are saying the most, are people that have never been to Riverdale Assembly of God or even heard of it. Who is Who to profile someone or something as a "racist." I have herd young black men call eachother the "N" word, call white people "honky" "cracker" "redneck", but they are not considered "racist."
Brother and Sister Spencer were called by God about forty-two years ago, to go to Riverdale and pioner a church. They have poured their heart and soul into taht church, more than willing to give than to recieve. So they have a nice RV which they more than deserve, they have the same house for more than thirty years, which may I tell you that they have never had a new house or car. So please from now on be careful what you say about a man of God.
Oh I almost forgot... Is this the church that gave THOUSANDS of dollars to an orphanage in Tanzania?? Or is it only African-Americans that this church hates? I don't understand. Will the naysayers please speak up...with a little more truth this time?
To everybody coming up with excuses about this deplorable behavior ("the black girl didn't care!" or "we give money to the blacks!" or "it was about how great the north was to free the slaves!" or "OMG rappers say the N word!") and talking about how God would disapprove of others discussing the very apparent racism evident in this incident:
READ A BOOK.
"You would think some of the people commenting on here were slaves themselves, or that they are the only ones who read history books."
Some of the people commenting on here HAVE ANCESTORS WHO WERE SLAVES THEMSELVES. That means something. That means a lot. Maybe those people feel that the history of their family was being belittled by those who were ACTING IN THE BLACK FACE TRADITION. Look it up.
Ripley - Thanks for your comment. I agree with everything you said.
A couple suggestions:
read a book by "bell hooks"
read a book by "tim wise"
I think this whole thing is absolutely amazing!
I too attended school at RCA as a child, although I will say that it does not make me a fan by any means.
The issue here is racism. This event they have every year making fun of students graduating from the 8th grade and HS always has a theme. Maybe the best thing to have done here is say look we picked a terrible theme for this year's festivities, we should have made a more educated decision. We are sorry! Just apologize, don't make excuses, don't hide, don't shut down the web site. Accept responsibility for your actions, apologize, and move on.
I see the people who are bashing the school, and I see the people defending the church.
To those bashing it, I can see why, there are lots of things that have happened over the years that I am sure x-members would like out in the open. I don't blame you, I actually agree. There are things that should be brought to light.
And to those defending the church, this is not about the church, you are getting totally off base. Talking about children's ministries and helping people. You just make yourself sound more guilty. The issue here is people were offended. Who cares if you agree or not. people's feelings were hurt. Do the Christian thing, do the right thing, and apologize!
Tate, THANK YOU for exposing these faculty for what they have done. This is not about their church ministry, their busses, how long their ministers have been there, NO. This is about a group of faculty that thought it was ok to portray SLAVERY in a comical way. This was not a somber event where the tragedy of slavery was mourned, it was a comedy. They poked fun at the torture and enslavement of hundreds of thousands of people. They should not even be teaching children as far as I am concerned.
I do not understand how anyone could think that the performance by any school/church using a theme about slaves as comical is a christain thing to do. How is presenting these "skits" in any way a good thing? How could they not even consider that it may upset some people?
I did attend Charles Spencer's church back in the early days and I can tell you he did embarras and humiliate people in front of the entire church. I have been one of those people.
I feel sorry for the people that he has sucked into his cult.
Mr. Spencer has stepped on many a back to get to where he is today.
He will answer for those that he has hurt and used in God's name.
Back in the early days he did not want blacks attending his church. I guess that was when there were more blacks around the area. I know there were many that lived out around Lanare. I had several black friends, but I wasn't to invite them to church with me.
Thank God I do not live there any more and have to be sickened every time I pass that place and remembering how it was when I use to attend.
And I do not have a problem leaving my name and I KNOW that Mr. and Mrs. Spencer, as well as Doug will remember my name.
Jennie Scott-Langston
Sorry Jenny. Not true. I attended the church the first few years and there was a black family by the name of Seaborn who were very active and accepted by the church. I never heard any of this rubbish you are fabricating.
Jennie,
I feel the same way. I would like to get in contact with you. Please contact me at madmike9876@yahoo.com.
Would the faculty think it was appropriate to use 9/11 in a comedy to "poke fun" at their graduates? What would they think about using the Holocaust in a comedy? There is no excuse to use a national tragedy in the way they did, no excuse at all. We are no better than this hatred if we tolerate it and these individuals should not get off easily for what they did. The African American community deserves a FORMAL apology and the school should seek tolerance training for their faculty(normally it is given to students but in this case it is their teachers who need it).
I always knew this "church" would one day be in the news. I am more than a little surprised that it is not being linked to a more dire story such as the Jim Jones senario. There are good folks in this church who have been used and manipulated for the financial benefit of the Spencer family for all of the last 40 years. There are those of us who were deeply hurt by this man's "heart and" that's "the fruit of his dedicated ministry" we knew. Believe me when I say a person does not have to be black to become a target for their bullying and insensitivity. I hope this dedicated ministry produces the videos and simply answers the question "WHY" would anyone who loves his brother find such a hurtful subject "comical"... Where I attended school 'hurtful and racial' were far different from 'comical and fun'..but then I did attent RJUHS and our teachers were credentialed.
So here we are. Sunday night... all the good Christians went to church today and the noble Bro. Tate probably received several pats on the shoulder from well meaning members as if to say"Good job! You really showed that predominatly white church how they should respect the black community and how their ignorance is beyond words. We shall speak about this matter at lunch today after church!"
Graduation Celebration. That's what it's called. It's a high school roast that takes place at RCC usually a week after graduation. Themes have varied from the wild wild west to 50's hot rod era.
While I did not attend this paticular grad cell... I have attended others, after all, I'm an alumni. The theme of the grad cell in question was one of Civil War Era...NOT a slavery theme. There were slaves portrayed in the skits because, well there were slaves in that era. How can you begin to tell the story of the civil war era without slaves? They were just a part of that point in history. I figured a well educated man like Bro. Tate could see that. After all, he was there to see with his own eyes along with the other self rightous bloggers on this site. I mean having attended the grad cell they could have seen that the pics were taken out of context and twisted to reveal the bitterness of one man.
There, I said it. Bitterness. Tate seems to be so engulfed in this story of RACE, that any point he is trying to make becomes overshadowed.
True, it was naive of Riverdale to paint themselves black in an over offended society with little Sharptons running around scraping for every bit of attention they can bring themselves to further their own agenda. I would say that this choice of theme was,in fact, the wrong one.
HOWEVER, the attention this story is receiving due to one man whose quality of life was disrupted because he got offend over a graduation roast a week old is rediculous! Why did Tate portray the black community as recieving a setback, portray himself as some high and mighty beacon of anti racism when he proceeds to relish on the unfounded fact that the Assemblyies of God may have had some racial tension in the far past. " You know, I don't mean to point the finger at that predominatley white demonation and say that they are all racists...but my bitterness is getting the best of me and so I must say that in 1914 at Hot Springs, Arkansas... blah,blah,blah."
And so I must ask, since you(you know who you are) where so offended, why did you go to 47 and not man up and go directly to Rev. Charles Spencer and calmly discuss the situation. And if you did, blog it!
Don't like what I'm saying? Email me at thenextgr8thing@yahoo.com
I have to say, I really feel that the actions taken to go this far to put on such an elaborate "skit" are pretty sad. Although I am not a fan of jumping on a ban wagon and repramanding those at fault. I do feel that ignorance plays a huge part in the problem. Maybe the teaching Staff at the school need to be checked out for proper Credentials. What is the curicculum at the school? It might be a good thing to look into updating the History books that your students read. I understand that this school, and church choir is very big on raising money to go all over the world on trips. I know for a fact that in the past Russia was one of the many stops made. It might be a good idea, to educate yourslf and your students and take them to the Tollerance Museum in L.A. and make it a feild trip. It might also be a good idea to look into books for your H.S. students to read, Huckleberry Fin, and Uncle Tom's Cabin. Such books like these hopefully will show that you are trying your best to raise awareness, and you are not to big to admit that you are not beyond reproach.
I wish all of you who are attacking that church and school, will roll up your sleeves and help in that ministry, and to those that left because of bitterness in your heart, lets me know that you were not really saved. Now, did you know that RAG have send thousands of dollars and even one of their son-in-law went to help in Africa Ministries, now this so call Bro. how many ministries does he have?
It looks to me like rich people marking the exclusivity of their identity. It's very ugly.
You've stirred up a hornets' nest of defensive bigots but I think you're spot on in your posts and in the conclusions of this post. Yours is the most interesting blog I've come across in a long while, Tate. I'm bookmarking you and will be back regularly. Keep it clear and balanced.
Regards,
Pete
I think its interesting that none of the people defending this stuff are using their names or even a handle, with the exception of "concerned Christian" who wants to take action from the position of anonymity and hide behind a dedicated email address.
Truth is, though, you can be anonymous here but plenty of people in your real life can tell you're a racist asshat anyway. I promise.
For those that criticize me for not leaving my identity on this blog- I don't want the cult to know how to find me- or where. I have attended Spencer's Church- I know that they have done some good things- a very good friend's son attended the school for several years- and for several years after he 'graduated' all he could do was repeat what garbage he had been taught. Due to his distancing himself, as he matured, his family was one of those that was humiliated in front of the congregation. The comments made about his daughter (an infant at the time) were inexcusable. And- to the Riverdale policeman- yes perhaps none of those students were pregnant- but how many became so soon after graduation- even one of the Spencer's daughter-in-law's after the positive test. Since the kids aren't taught to think for themselves and sex (outside of marriage)is a sin- it's no wonder that no teen-age pregnancies occur. I attended a wedding at the church- the bride and groom said their vows to Spencer- not to each other- who were they marrying anyway?
God is not the author of confusion and where God is there is peace. Speaking from someone who attends the COGIC in Riverdale, this issue has brought to the light an issue that has continued to plagued the black community. But this "graduation skit" has shown one thing: it is praying time. We can not show love for our neighbor if we exchange harsh words or hold ill feelings towards this Pastor and his sheep. To the graduates who performed, please don't try that stuff at Fresno City or CSUF. Riverdale is not the real world. The church must feel at least some regret because they closed their website. Remember, God is watching and taking everything down. Keep praying.
this "display" of racism is not what you think it is.
So, what kind of display of racism is it?
As for racism, I would think if you would like to make it that way, the statement, "Mexican woman that lives in Pastor Doug Spencer's home" is somewhat racist, and this "Mexican woman" would likely be extremely offended by your comments and accusations.
How is offending a Mexican woman living in his home if she is, in fact, a Mexican woman living in his home?
If you had guts at all, you would leave your name for people to know who you are and why you have so much "information."
It's at the top of the page, dumbass.
You might not like everything that goes on in Riverdale, but no one can say I am wrong when I say they are some of the nicest people you will ever meet.
Such sweet lil' racists!
And truly, I mean that for all of you. If you can't see this incident for what is truly was, racist ignorance, then you need to examine your own racist tendencies.
And by the way, while you're at it, get some reading comprehension, as well. In his June 8 post, "Setting Things Straight", Mr. Hill says that he has no personal agenda against the church. In the post, however, he does offer evidence to support allegations of racial tension from the church. I find it (not) surprising that no one bothered to challenge him in the face of such evidence. Could it be because it's true?
WOW. A quick google search regarding the Christian school will show that they do have their defenders. Two white-supremacy websites are defending the school on their webpages which trumpet racism and hate. The faculty must be proud.
So here we are. Sunday night... all the good Christians went to church today and the noble Bro. Tate probably received several pats on the shoulder from well meaning members as if to say “Good job! You really showed that predominantly white church how they should respect the black community and how their ignorance is beyond words. We shall speak about this matter at lunch today after church!"
Graduation Celebration. That's what it's called. It's a high school roast that takes place at RCC usually a week after graduation. Themes have varied from the wild wild west to 50's hot rod era.
While I did not attend this particular grad cell... I have attended others, after all, I'm an alumni. The theme of the grad cell in question was one of Civil War Era...NOT a slavery theme. There were slaves portrayed in the skits because, well there were slaves in that era. How can you begin to tell the story of the civil war era without slaves? They were just a part of that point in history. I figured a well educated man like Bro. Tate could see that. After all, he was there to see with his own eyes along with the other self rightous bloggers on this site. I mean having attended the grad cell they could have seen that the pics were taken out of context and twisted to reveal the bitterness of one man.
There, I said it. Bitterness. Tate seems to be so engulfed in this story of RACE, that any point he is trying to make becomes overshadowed.
True, it was naive of Riverdale to paint themselves black in an over offended society with little Sharptons running around scraping for every bit of attention they can bring themselves to further their own agenda. I would say that this choice of theme was, in fact, the wrong one.
HOWEVER, the attention this story is receiving due to one man whose quality of life was disrupted because he got offend over a graduation roast a week old is ridiculous! Why did Tate portray the black community as receiving a setback, portray himself as some high and mighty beacon of anti racism when he proceeds to relish on the unfounded fact that the Assemblies of God may have had some racial tension in the far past. " You know, I don't mean to point the finger at that predominately white denomination and say that they are all racists...but my bitterness is getting the best of me and so I must say that in 1914 at Hot Springs, Arkansas... blah,blah,blah."
And so I must ask, since you(you know who you are) where so offended, why did you go to 47 and not man up and go directly to Rev. Charles Spencer and calmly discuss the situation. And if you did, blog it!
Don't like what I'm saying? Email me at thenextgr8thing@yahoo.com
Can you please delete my comments
"SavedNFresno said...
God is not the author of confusion and where God is there is peace. Speaking from someone who attends the COGIC in Riverdale, this issue has brought to the light an issue that has continued to plagued the black community. But this "graduation skit" has shown one thing: it is praying time. We can not show love for our neighbor if we exchange harsh words or hold ill feelings towards this Pastor and his sheep. To the graduates who performed, please don't try that stuff at Fresno City or CSUF. Riverdale is not the real world. The church must feel at least some regret because they closed their website. Remember, God is watching and taking everything down. Keep praying.
11:16 AM "
There is no COGIC in Riverdale for one thing.
Since you are moderating,(finally) would you mind removing all accusations from the website. It really gives people a bad idea of what you'e all about.
I am amazed that there really are still such racist, bigoted, ignorant people in the world. The stunt that Riverside pulled is offensive, and frankly I can't believe the African American community hasn't had more to say about it. However, this story continues to pick up speed. Riverside will be held accountable for its reprehensible actions.
"Anonymous said...
All these accusations are terrible and sickens my stomach. If you know have a personal relationship with God you know he would not want this handled like this.also you must have some big problems your self with rascism or you would not be writing all that terrible stuff about this church. shame on you.And you Miss Walker if you don't anything about This church KEEP YOUR OPINION TO YOUR SELF. DON'T ANY OF YOU HAVE ANYTHING BETTER TO DO?YOU NEED TO GET THAT CHIP OFF OF YOUR SHOULDER
12:32 PM
Lord, have mercy. Father give me strength.
"Alice Walker" was quoted by a commentor who used a quote from her. Alice Walker is a black womanist auhor, who has nothing to do with this racist insanity.
As for a skit on degrading runaway slaves, why have it show the slaves being brought back to the plantation? Why not show the slaves running away to freedom and living free in Canada? (Keep in mind that not all whites up North were as benevolent as many people like to make them out to be. Many whites captured runaway slaves AND free blacks, and sold them into slavery.)
Just goes to show you how "Christian" so-called Christians in this country have mistreated their fellow Christians.
Ann
June 21, 2007
God loves everyone, and sadly people who claim to know this feel they have the right to be racist. This church has not only offended races but sadly and sickly bash other religions, which I experienced first hand when I attended there church in Avenal. They claim to be so religious but yet are as evil as the devil himself, they are using the lords name in vain to collect money from people who really need it. You people who attend riverdales church or any other church that associates with them remember god knows everything and just because your sinning behind his name doesn't make it okay. You people can claim to be religious but the world and god can see right through you. THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE!!! Also what kind of people send there kids to a non accreditted school don't you care about there futures? Oh wait, there supposed to go into construction and the school fees right into the Spencers pockets. By the way nice house and new mobile home. A true christian church does not even think about taking away from the parish in the end you will all burn in hell like the rest of them sinners!!! So keep stealing and being racist you have been EXPOSED for what you TRULY ARE!!!!!!!!
Finally the NAACP gets it...today they announced today that they are going to hold themselves accountable to the same judgement and quit using the "N" word. About time! A little self respect goes a long way to achieving the goal of respect from everyone else. Too bad they didn't think of this 20 years ago.
You obviously do not know these people at all. They have a wonderful church/Christian school where they teach the kids to love God more than anything, and to demonstrate God's love to those around them. Their youth choir (very, very talented) tours each summer and have been to our church/other churches we visit several times. They are wonderful, sweet, down-to-earth, good people... who would never intentionally do anything to offend anyone. Their choir is made up of several different ethnic backgrounds. Many of the young people have wonderful testimonies of how the Lord has helped them and brought them out of awful situations... drugs, alcohol, troubled homes, attempted suicide... you name it. They work hard to show unconditional love and respect to these kids and help them get their lives on track by showing them the love and grace of God. They are a close bunch of kids... true friends, brothers and sisters in the Lord. You can feel God's love in them... none of the snooty, "I'm better than you" attitude... and definitely not any racism!!! Most likely, the thing that is really offensive to you has nothing to do with your "perceived racism"... but rather the fact that they truly love the Lord and are committed to holding onto the Godly truths and standards that most people gave up on long ago. I am proud to call these people my friends and brothers and sisters in the Lord. Perhaps you should go to visit their church, get to know their Lord, and you would understand that you have it all wrong about your perception of them.
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